Why Jon Targaryen Would’ve Been a Better Ruler with Daenerys

Imagine a world where Jon Snow's parentage and the historical events depicted in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series unfold differently. Let's explore the implications of Jon being a Targaryen let alone a legitimate child of his parents, Ned Stark and Lady Lyanna Stark, and how this would have affected his relationship with Daenerys Targaryen.

The Lack of Political Threat

The primary reason Jon Snow would not have been a political threat to Daenerys Targaryen if he had been a bastard of Ned Stark is that he would not have had any legitimate claim to the Iron Throne. Without a legitimate claim, there would be no rivalry, no need for Daenerys to demand his submission and silence, and thus no conflict between them.

The Belated and Coincidental Recognition

One of the key arguments against the "unlikely hero with secret royal blood" trope is that hereditary monarchy doesn't inherently make sense. If Jon had been Ned Stark's bastard, he would have lived happily ever after as the consort to Queen Daenerys, enjoying her support and the acceptance of her dragons. This acceptance would have been seen as a coincidence, much like when a dog likes a stranger. Given this scenario, there would have been no need for the Iron Throne's heft or any associated political drama.

Heir to the Iron Throne

If Jon's mother and father hadn't married, he would not have been the heir to the Iron Throne. This would have changed his status and potential role in the future of Westeros. Bastards, by definition, are not in line to inherit thrones or other valuable positions. This fact, while serving as a drawback, also highlights the importance of status in the world of the Fantasy.

The Rival Claimant

The real reason Jon could not have ruled with Daenerys is because he was a legitimate male heir and a rival claimant to the Iron Throne. Even with the incest impediment, the biological relationship alone would not have prevented a potential union or marriage. However, the knowledge of Jon's true parentage made him a clear and present threat to Daenerys, something that neither could ignore or contain. As Bran Stark revealed the truth, the outcome shifted to Jon's rightful claim to the throne, ultimately leading to his ascension.

Conclusion

Throughout the narrative, it's clear that the political implications and eventual fate of the Iron Throne revolved around the legitimacy of its heirs. Had Jon remained a bastard, he would have avoided the political entanglements and rivalries that shaped the ending of the series. This alternative scenario not only resolves the complex interwoven storylines but also offers a fresh perspective on the hereditary monarchy and the roles of bastards in Westerosi society.